After witnessing Gru transform from a super-villain to a super-dad with a Play-Doh heart at the end of 2010's "Despicable Me," there was just no way there wouldn't be a sequel.

And "Despicable Me 2," which opens in theaters Wednesday, is better than the original — but not for its storytelling. The 98-minute movie replaces things like plot details with what the audience is clearly more interested in seeing: minions, adorable daddy-daughter moments (Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, dressing up as a "Gruzinklebell" princess for Agnes' birthday) — and of course, for Gru to find the girls a mommy. | July 2, 2013»Read Full Article

Less than 10 minutes into the Milwaukee Repertory Theater's spectacular production of "Ragtime" — the crown jewel thus far in director Mark Clements' Rep tenure — it's already apparent that the next three hours of theater will be special.

Those opening moments — in which this musical's huge cast of characters make their introductions, and during which we get a rough sketch of the melting-pot story to come — can be turgid, confusing or both. | Sept. 22, 2013»Read Full Article(4)